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Alexander
Falconbridge, An Account of the Slave Trade on the Coast of Africa
(London, 1788)
Alexander
Falconbridge recounts the reaction of the slaves to their sale.....
When
the ships arrive in the West Indies (the chief mart for this inhuman
merchandize), the slaves are disposed as I have before observed by different
methods. Sometimes the mode of disposal is that of selling them by what is
termed a scramble, and a day is soon fixed for that purpose. Previously the sick
or refuse slaves, of which there are frequently many, are usually conveyed on
shore and sold at a tavern, by vendue or public auction. These in general are
purchased...upon speculation, at so low a price as five or six dollars a head. I
was informed by a mulatto woman that she purchased a sick slave at Grenada, upon
speculation, for the small sum of one dollar, as the poor wretch was apparently
dying of the flux. It seldom happens that any who are carried ashore in the
emaciated state to which they are generally reduced by that disorder long
survive after their landing. I once saw sixteen conveyed on shore and sold in
the foregoing manner, the whole of whom died before I left the island. Sometimes
the captains march their slaves through the town at which they intend to dispose
of them, and then place them in rows where they are examined and purchased.
The
mode of selling them by scramble having fallen under my observation the
oftenest, I shall be more particular in describing it. Being some years ago, at
one of the islands in the West Indies, I was witness to a sale by scramble,
where about 250 Negroes were sold. Upon this occasion all the Negroes scrambled
for bear an equal price; which is agreed upon between the captains and the
purchasers before the sale begins. On a day appointed, the Negroes were landed
and placed together in a large yard belonging to the merchants to whom the ship
was consigned. As soon as the hour agreed on arrived, the doors of the yard were
suddenly thrown open and in rushed a considerable number of purchasers, with all
the ferocity of brutes. Some instantly seized such of the Negroes as they could
conveniently lay hold of with their hands. Others being prepared with several
handkerchiefs tied together, encircled as many as they were able. While others,
by means of a rope, effected the same purpose. It is scarcely possible to
describe the confusion of which this mode of selling is productive. It likewise
causes much animosity among the purchasers who not infrequently fall out and
quarrel with each other. The poor astonished Negroes were so terrified by these
proceedings, that several of them, through fear climbed over the walls of the
courtyard and ran wild about the town, but were soon hunted down and retaken....
Various
deceptions are used in the disposal of sick slaves and many of these must excite
in every humane mind the liveliest sensations of horror. I have been well
informed that a Liverpool captain boasted of his having cheated some Jews by the
following stratagem. A lot of slaves afflicted with the flux, being about to be
landed for sale, he directed the ship's surgeons to stop the anus of each of
them with oakum. Thus prepared they were landed and taken to the accustomed
place of sale, where, being unable to stand but for a very short time, they were
usually permitted to sit. The buyers, when they examined them, oblige them to
stand up in order to see if there be any discharge; and when they do not
perceive this appearance they consider it as a symptom of recovery. In the
present instance, such an appearance being prevented, the bargain was struck and
the slaves were accordingly sold. But it was not long before discovery ensued.
The excruciating pain which the prevention of a discharge of such an acrimonious
nature occasioned, not being able to be borne by the poor wretches, the
temporary obstruction was removed and the deluded purchasers were speedily
convinced of the imposition.
Source:
Alexander Falconbridge, An Account of the Slave Trade on the Coast of Africa
(London, 1788).
"Slavery... I didn't know about all these forms that existed. I think it's largely because we aren't expecting it. It is hidden. Generally people would not believe that it is possible under modern conditions. They would say 'No, I think you are making it all up', because it's just too incredible..." (Archbishop Desmond Tutu, Hull, UK, 1999) |
Contact me: Peter Garwood